Get ready to hop on and take the wheel once more – Bus Bound is coming down the road.
During the PC Gaming Show, publisher Saber Interactive and developer stillalive studios officially revealed Bus Bound, an all-new and authentic bus-driving experience. Coming from the creators of Bus Simulator 21, this new title is heading to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
This new journey promises to take the core bus-driving experience and evolve it based on fan feedback, focusing on fun, accessibility, and the ability for players to transform a city – one stop at a time.
From Simulator to ‘Bus Bound’: A New Direction
The team at stillalive studios has a long history with the bus simulation genre. Their previous title, Bus Simulator 21, was an ambitious entry that we reviewed. In our 3.5/5 review, we noted it was a “niche within a niche” and “rough around the edges for sure,” but concluded that if you could embrace its challenges, you might “discover something rewarding.”
With Bus Bound, the team seems to be taking that feedback to heart, aiming for a more polished and engaging experience from the ground up.
“After Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, we took a step back to evaluate what our fans truly wanted in a bus driving experience,” said Julian Mautner, Studio Head of stillalive studios. “With Bus Bound, we focused on making the core experience—how the bus feels, how the city engages with the player—fun in a way that’s easy to pick up for new players while still engaging for our core audience.”
Welcome to Emberville
Bus Bound welcomes you to the bustling city of Emberville, a dense metropolis packed with unique neighbourhoods and vibrant urban life. You will navigate a fully simulated, densely inhabited town that comes to life with a dynamic traffic system and distinct day/night and weather conditions.
Authenticity is key, and players will get to take the wheel of true-to-life buses from top American manufacturers, including the New Flyer Xcelsior 40ft CNG and the Blue Bird Sigma. With over a dozen officially licensed vehicles at launch, you’ll always have the right bus for the job.
More Than Just Driving
A key innovation in Bus Bound is that you’re not just a driver; you’re a city-shaper. Your performance and dedication directly impact the world around you. By successfully completing your shifts and generating goodwill with your riders, you will improve public life.
This system allows you to upgrade bus stops, unlock new routes for the city, and earn passive perks. As you work, you will see each district evolve and transform into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space, all thanks to your bus-driving efforts.
Co-op, Customisation, and Community
You don’t have to build a better Emberville alone. Bus Bound features online co-op for up to four players, allowing you to band together with friends. You can split off to tackle multiple routes simultaneously, all contributing to your host’s goal of improving the city.
As you play, you’ll unlock new buses, visual styles, and upgrades for your fleet, allowing you to customize your experience. Whether you want a relaxing drive or to master every detail of your run, the freedom is yours.
Bus Bound is shaping up to be a fascinating evolution for the bus-driving genre. You can wishlist it today on the Xbox Store, PlayStation Store, and Steam.
